Ananda/Sokah2Soca
Calypso Finals 2024: Who will be the next Calypso Monarch of Trinidad & Tobago?
in
Blog
February 11, 2024
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vbye Radio rocks it live on the air!!
The stage is set for the grand finale of the National Calypso Monarch competition, which will take place on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain. Twelve talented calypsonians will vie for the coveted crown and the chance to dethrone the reigning monarch, Ta’Zyah O’Connor.
The finalists were selected from a pool of 40 semi-finalists who performed at the Calypso Fiesta on February 3, 2024, at Skinner Park in San Fernando. The event was well attended by calypso lovers who enjoyed a variety of songs ranging from social commentary to humor to political satire.
Among the finalists are some familiar names as well as some newcomers. The veteran calypsonians include Karene Asche, Kurt Allen, Chuck Gordon, Stacey Sobers, and Winston “Gypsy” Peters, who have all won the title before. They will face stiff competition from the younger generation, such as Aaron Duncan, Brian London, Helon Francis, Mical “Mical Teja” Williams, and Nigel Gobin.
One of the most surprising and exciting finalists is none other than soca superstar Machel Montano, who returned to his musical roots with his song Soul of Calypso. Montano, who has won several international soca titles, said he was thrilled to be back in the historic venue and to share the stage with the best calypsonians in the country.
The finals will also feature the Tobago Monarch, Dillon Thomas, who earned his spot by winning the Tobago Calypso Monarch competition on October 2023, at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet. Thomas impressed the judges with his song, "It Wasn't Me", which highlighted what was known as the THA "audiogate" bacchanal.
The current crop of Calypsonians has a long way to go to come close to the exploits of singers like the Mighty Sparrow with 8 wins, the Mighty Chalkdust with 9 wins, and Black Stalin with 5 wins. Our post photo features the one they will always call the Calypso King of the World - The Mighty Sparrow.
The Calypso Monarch finals are expected to be a spectacular show of music, creativity, and culture as the finalists showcase their skills and talents to the judges and the audience. The winner will not only receive the prestigious title and a cash prize but also the honor of representing the art form of calypso, which is an integral part of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.
The finalists/order of appearance:
Name of Singer
|
Sobriquet
|
Name of Song
|
Reserve: Victoria Cooper Rahim (Queen Victoria) – The Enemy
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora:
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Take up the role of the cultural vulture and disseminate this article among your acquaintances and on all social media channels. We are on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. All our posts are available on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Innoreader/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and via Email Subscription. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Calypso Monarch Finals 2024
Origin: Grand Stand, Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Genre: Calypso
Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We don't own the rights to this music; it is presented here for promotional use only. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't download and share them and rob the artists of needed income! I, nor this blog, make any claims of ownership over any of the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used for this post because they all belong to their respective owners.
♫Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
Free Broadcast courtesy WACK Radio 90.1FM/Television.
Panorama Finals Shocker: BP Renegades and Massy Trinidad All Stars tie for First Place
in
Blog
February 11, 2024
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vbye Radio rocks it live on the air!!
The Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain was filled with the sound of steelpan music on Saturday night as the best bands in the country competed for the coveted title of National Large Conventional Steelband Panorama Champion 2024. The event, which was broadcast live on local TV and online via TEGO TV (TTT) and PPV via WACK Radio/TV, attracted thousands of spectators and fans who cheered for their favorite steelband orchestras.
The competition featured 11 large bands, each playing a tune of their choice for a panel of judges. The bands were judged on criteria such as arrangement, performance, tone, and rhythm. The large bands category was especially fierce, as the defending champions, Renegades Steel Orchestra, faced off against rivals such as Desperadoes, Phase II Pan Groove, Massy Trinidad All Stars, and Exodus.
After a thrilling night of music and entertainment, the results were announced before an exuberant crowd comprised of rabid fans of the respective bands. The results saw a tie for first place with the bands that placed first and second in the semis: BP Renegades, last year's winner, and Massy Trinidad All Stary tied for first place with a score of 285 points. The third-place winner was Republic Band Exodus. There was a celebratory quietness and faded cheers as the results were announced. There were two ties tonight, with Proman Starlift Steel Orchestra and Desperadoes Steel Orchestra tied for fourth place along with the tie for first place. Go figure this one, Phase II Pan Groove played first and placed last; as a matter of fact, the first two bands that played last night placed at the bottom of the result list. Yes, there will surely be gnashing of teeth as players gather on Sunday to review the previous night's proceedings.
The winners received trophies, cash prizes, and the honor of being the best steelbands in the land. The panorama finals were a celebration of the culture and creativity of Trinidad and Tobago and a showcase of the talent and passion of the pannists. The event was a success, despite the surprise tie for first place and the financial challenges for these large steelbands, proving that their love for the Steelband prevailed, and it is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the people. Congratulations are extended to "BP Renegades and Massy All Stars" and their fans.
The results announced were as follows:
| Name of Band 01. BP Renegades 01. Massy Trinidad All Stars 03. Republic Band Exodus 04. Proman Starlift Steel Orchestra 04. Desperadoes Steel Orchestra 06. Shell Invaders Steel Orchestra 07. Nutien Silverstars 08. T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps 09. First Citizens Supernova Steel Orch. 10. Fonclaire Steel Orchestra 11. HADCO Phase II Pan Groove |
Name of Song 01. DNA 01. Inventor 03. Long Time 04. Pan in A Minor 04. DNA 06. Free Up 07. Inventor 08. DNA 09. Wet Meh Down 10. This Party is it 11. Gimme Everything |
Points 01. 285 01. 285 03. 283 04. 280 04. 280 06. 278.5 07. 277.5 08. 277 09. 276 10. 275 11. 274 |
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora:
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Take up the role of the cultural vulture and disseminate this article among your acquaintances and on all social media channels. We are on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. All our posts are available on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Innoreader/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and via Email Subscription. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: National Panorama Finals, Large Bands Finals
Origin: Grand Stand, Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Genre: Steelband Music
Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We don't own the rights to this music; it is presented here for promotional use only. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't download and share them and rob the artists of needed income! I, nor this blog, make any claims of ownership over any of the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used for this post because they all belong to their respective owners.
♫Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
Panorama videos courtesy "I am living my life" YouTube Channel.
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vbye Radio rocks it live on the air!!
"Life After Fete" is a perfect example of soca music's ability to create a party atmosphere and a sense of community. The song's lyrics, written by Kerwin Du Bois himself, express the excitement of attending a fete. The song also hints at the possibility of romance and adventure after the fete and the consequences of one's actions during the party the night before.
"Life After Fete" is a Soca song for the moment, as it captures the essence of carnival and the anticipation of what lies ahead. The song is a reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed and that there is always something to look forward to after the fete. Then again, your party behavior will determine what comes next.
Remember this: "A happy wife equals a happy life." I saw something online that says seventy percent of the women out there have a sidekick... Yikes! Party, have a good time, but remember: After the fete is over, you have to go home, and there is always "life after the fete"!
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora:
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Take up the role of the cultural vulture and disseminate this article among your acquaintances and on all social media channels. We are on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. All our posts are available on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Innoreader/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and via Email Subscription. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Life After Fete (Saint Pepsi Roadmix)
Artists/Performed by: Kerwin Du Bois
Written by: Kerwin Du Bois
Mixed and Mastered by:
Origin: Trinidad and Tobago
Genre: Soca
Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We don't own the rights to this music; it is presented here for promotional use only. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't download and share them and rob the artists of needed income! I, nor this blog, make any claims of ownership over any of the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used for this post because they all belong to their respective owners.
♫Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vbye Radio rocks it live on the air!!
The Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain will be the epicenter of steelpan music this Saturday, February 10, 2024, as the Large Conventional Steelbands finals take place. Thirteen bands will compete for the coveted title of National Panorama Champion and a cash prize of TT $1,000,000.00.
The finalists include reigning champions BP Renegades, who will be playing "DNA" by Mical Teja, arranged by Duvon Stewart. They will face stiff competition from former winners such as WITCo Desperadoes, Massy Trinidad Allstars, Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove, and Republic Bank Exodus. The difference in the top three performances for the semi-finals was just three points. This is going to be an awesome show of talent and musical arrangements.
The bands will showcase their musical skills and creativity, as they interpret a range of calypso and soca songs, from classics like "Pan in A Minor" by Lord Kitchener and "Wet Meh Down" by Johnny King, to modern hits like "DNA" by Mical Teja and "Gimme Everything" by Kes/Boogsie Sharpe/Keshav. The judges will evaluate the bands on criteria such as arrangement, general performance, rhythm, and tone.
The event is expected to attract thousands of pan lovers, both local and foreign, who will fill the Grand Stand and the North Stand to enjoy the spectacle of steel. The show will also be broadcast live on local and international media platforms, as well as online via WACK Radio/Television.
The Large Conventional Steelbands finals are the culmination of the bpTT Panorama 2024, which also featured competitions for small, medium, and single pan bands, as well as junior and school bands. The Panorama is the premier steelband event in Trinidad & Tobago and the World and can be considered the premier event of the carnival season.
The finals will start at 7:00 p.m. and end at 2:00 a.m. The order of appearance of the bands is as follows:
Name of Steelband
|
Name of Song
|
